Bald man stole hair straighteners

Malcolm Smith, 31, of Cornwallis Terrace, Hastings, admitted swiping the Vidal Sassoon straighteners from Boots in Rye when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Aiden Harvey, defending, said Smith was short of money after his work with a removals firm dried up. “He has reapplied for benefits but unfortunately old habits die hard,” he said.

Magistrates gave Smith - who has several previous convictions including one for burglary - a six month conditional discharge.

His friend Mark Steele, 26, of Eversfield Place, St Leonards, admitted taking goods worth £133.22 from the same store. He was caught with toothbrushes, suntan lotion, and mascara when he was searched, and he admitted shoplifting.

The court heard Steele is a heroin addict and he was bailed while a drug report is compiled.